12.10.05
The controversial sale of Exeter Airport to the company that also owns Bristol Airport has been referred to the Competition Commission. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) says it believes the Commission is best placed to judge whether the sale should go ahead.
Devon County Council announced earlier this year it was selling its 75% stake and received a bid from South West Airports Consortium (SWAC), the company owned by Australia's Macquarie Airports and Spain's Ferrovial Group. The OFT says it is concerned about a possible loss of competition for travellers from the South West.
Penny Boys, OFT Executive Director, said: 'The merger raises concerns about a loss of competition between Exeter International Airport and Bristol International Airport which may ultimately adversely affect the choice of low-cost and charter flights for air passengers in the South West of England.'
The Competition Commission is to report by 27 March 2006.
To book uk airport hotels or uk airport parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great airport parking and airport hotels price comparison pages
